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Chamber’s Lifeguard Awards will celebrate local heroes

Every year, a dedicated group of men and women protects beachgoers in the beautiful, but wild Atlantic Ocean. So the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce will raise a glass to celebrate local lifeguards this week, when the annual Lifeguard Awards invites seven beach patrols to recognize their top guards, on Friday, Aug. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Just last year, the event exploded into new territory as a nighttime Chamber barbecue.

“The changes really allowed for the guards to come together to celebrate their accomplishments,” said organizer Lauren Weaver of the Chamber. “Outside of competition, it’s the only time they really get together as a full group.”

Previously, only the winners and their captains were invited, to a Chamber breakfast.

“Now it’s their family and the whole crew. It’s just a really fun [night]. A lot of the lifeguards are from this area, and it’s just nice to give back to the community,” Weaver said. “And the community really rallies behind the guards.”

Beach patrols from North Bethany, Bethany Beach, Middlesex Beach, Sea Colony, South Bethany, Delaware Seashore State Park and Fenwick Island will all honor their “Lifeguards of the Year.”

They’re not alone in joining in on the celebration. While it’s a public event, Weaver said the 2014 event has basically sold out. As the presenting sponsor, Hocker’s BBQ will feed the masses.

The lifeguards will also get to play on seven sets of cornhole boards, painted with beach patrol logos, to be awarded to lifeguard winners, sponsored by Lizzy’s beachwear. Coastal Tent Events is the supporting sponsor for the event.

“We’re excited to have that and have Hocker’s on board, too. [State Sen. Gerald] Hocker used to be a lifeguard,” Weaver noted.

After the awards at the Chamber, the celebration moves to Ropewalk in Fenwick Island, with restaurant specials from 9 to 11 p.m.